7 days
30
6+
Airpot
This 7-day Uganda Birding Safari offers an exceptional introduction to the country’s rich and diverse birdlife, covering wetlands, savannah, lakes, and tropical forests. The safari begins in Entebbe with birding at the Botanical Gardens on the shores of Lake Victoria, followed by a visit to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Africa to search for the Shoebill.
The journey continues to Lake Mburo National Park for in-depth savannah and wetland birding before heading west to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where rich bird habitats and a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel provide outstanding waterbird and raptor sightings. The safari concludes in Kibale Forest, targeting Albertine Rift forest species, including the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, before returning to Entebbe.
This itinerary is ideal for bird enthusiasts seeking a compact yet rewarding birding experience, combining iconic species, varied habitats, and expert-guided birding in just seven days.
Tour Highlights
Shoebill tracking at Mabamba Swamp
Savannah and wetland birding in Lake Mburo
Exceptional waterbird diversity on Kazinga Channel
Albertine Rift endemics and forest birds in Kibale
Target species: Shoebill, African Skimmer, Green-breasted Pitta
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your birding guide and transferred to your hotel. After lunch and a short rest, enjoy an afternoon birding walk in Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a renowned birding site along the shores of Lake Victoria.
The gardens offer excellent introductions to Uganda’s birdlife, with chances to spot Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, African Grey Parrot, Woodland Kingfisher, Palm-nut Vulture, and various sunbirds and weavers.
Overnight: Entebbe
After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe for Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s most famous birding destinations. Take a guided canoe excursion through the papyrus swamp in search of the elusive Shoebill, along with African Jacana, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Papyrus Gonolek, Malachite Kingfisher, and other wetland species.
After birding at Mabamba, continue your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy short roadside birding en route as you enter the park.
Overnight: Lake Mburo area
Habitat: Papyrus swamp, savannah woodland
Spend a full day birding in Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s best savannah birding destinations with over 350 recorded species. Morning birding sessions include game-drive birding tracks, acacia woodland, lakeshores, and seasonal wetlands. Afternoon boat Cruise insearch for aquatic birds like African Fin Foot and others.
Key species may include Red-faced Barbet, African Finfoot, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Tabora Cisticola, White-winged Warbler, and various raptors. Mammal sightings such as zebras and antelope often enhance the experience.
Overnight: Lake Mburo area
Habitat: Savannah, acacia woodland, lakeshore
After breakfast, depart Lake Mburo and drive west toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through scenic countryside and the Albertine Rift Valley. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy birding around the lodge area or nearby tracks.
This first introduction to Queen Elizabeth offers chances to see Lark-like Bunting, Black-headed Gonolek, Yellow-throated Longclaw, and various raptors and waterbirds.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Habitat: Savannah, bushland, crater lakes
Begin the day with early morning birding in the Kasenyi Plains and surrounding habitats, searching for savannah and grassland species as well as predators that attract scavenging birds.
In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s premier birding boat experiences. Expect close sightings of African Skimmer, Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, Saddle-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Goliath Heron, and numerous kingfishers and cormorants.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Habitat: Savannah, freshwater channel
Enjoy morning birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park, focusing on woodland edges and forested areas. Possible species include White-tailed Lark, Brown-chested Lapwing, and a variety of raptors and passerines.
After breakfast, transfer north to Kibale Forest National Park, traveling through crater lakes and tea plantations. Afternoon birding around the forest edge and lodge area may yield Green-breasted Pitta habitat indicators, turacos, and forest hornbills.
Overnight: Kibale Forest area
Habitat: Mid-altitude rainforest
Very early start for forest birding in Kibale, targeting the highly sought-after Green-breasted Pitta (seasonal), along with other forest specialties such as African Pitta (seasonal), Black-billed Turaco, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Grey-winged Robin-Chat, and numerous greenbuls.
After the birding session, begin the return journey to Entebbe, with lunch en route and arrival later in the evening for departure or overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Habitat: Tropical rainforest